For Papa

Two years ago today, you left us suddenly. We miss you, papa. I often hear you hum and sing this old Chinese pop song vividly in my mind. So, in your honor, I played it on the guzheng (Chinese zither). I’m not good at it; I’m just an amateur, who hasn’t played for the last 20 years. It’s not the best version, but it’s MY best effort, thus far. I hope you enjoy it, with mama.

The night is dark and obscure , it covers the expanse
At the horizon, the new moon hangs, like a hook
The past is illusory, like a dream
Where do I go to find my dreamland again?
Thousands of miles separate me and the one I love
I cannot reach him, my heart is sad
O bright moon, please greet him on my behalf
Endless tears flow from the one who misses him

The moonlight is getting dimmer but the night is not over yet
All around is loneliness and silence
The light of the cold lamp on my table is dim
Loneliness keeps me company
I have no news from the one who lives a thousand miles away
I wish to greet him, but I have no way to reach him
O bright moon, please pass a message on my behalf
Send the one I love a note to tell him I miss him

夜色茫茫罩四周
天邊新月如鉤
回憶往事恍如夢
重尋夢境何處求？
人隔千里路悠悠
未曾遙問心已愁
請明月代問候
思念的人兒淚常流

月色濛濛夜未盡
周遭寂寞寧靜
桌上寒燈光不明
伴我獨坐苦孤零
人隔千里無音訊
欲待遙問終無憑
請明月代傳信
寄我片紙兒慰離情

Lyrics adapted from goo.gl/CjUcEk